·         N61 Tulsk to Clashaganny Road Project

Mr. Greg O’Donnell, Acting Director of Services presented the Chief Executive’s Report on the Part 8 planning application in relation to the N61 Tulsk to Clashaganny Road Project for the Members consideration:

The proposed development comprises of the replacement/improvement of a 3.9km section of the N61 National Secondary Route extending from the townland of Tulsk to the townlands of Sheegeeragh and Manor, approx. 14km north of Roscommon Town (referred to as the N61 Tulsk to Clashaganny Road Project) within the County of Roscommon.  The proposed development passes through the townlands of Tulsk, Carrownageelaun, Cargin Demesne, Lissacurkia, Carrowkeel, Carrowrinny, Sheegeeragh and Manor.

The proposed development will provide for the re-alignment and improvement of the existing N61 National Secondary Route to typically provide a Type 1 single carriageway. The principal features includes:

o   Approx. 3.3km of new road construction and approx. 0.65km of online improvement of the N61 at tie in locations.

o   Construction of side roads and associated junctions

o   Removal of sections of existing N61 and side roads

o   Site clearance, including demolition of three residential properties

o   Earthworks, including excavation

o   Environmental mitigation and material recovery areas

o   Drainage Works, incorporating (SuDS)

o   Construction of Culverts

o   Boundary treatment

o   Construction of shared use cycle and pedestrian facilities in the village of Tulsk

o   Utility Diversions

o   Road pavement and road markings

o   Public lighting

o   Access and accommodation works and

o   All other ancillary works

Six (6) submissions were received in respect of the Part 8 and where required, mitigation works recommended. The proposed development is consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. An EIA screening process has been completed and the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report is not required.

In conclusion, the Chief Executive in his report is recommending that the development should be proceeded with.

Mr. O’Donnell said there had been problems with drainage and alignment on the route and historically the route had been a high collision location. The new road will be aligned in close proximity to the existing route and said parts of the current route which will be made redundant will be retained for local access and access to the new route.

He confirmed there had been and would be extensive consultation with landowners throughout the CPO process to address land boundary treatment specifics.

The Members reacted positively to the development and discussed as follows:

·         The road was cited as an accident ‘blackspot, where many tragic accidents had occurred previously.

·         The road had become more dangerous with increased traffic in recent years.

·         Members noted the demolition of three houses along the current road to accommodate the new carriageway.

·         Members asked if aforementioned houses being demolished would be rebuilt.

·         It was suggested any development or redevelopment would be ‘like for like’ in the replacement of any stone walls or infrastructure.

·         Members urged for local tenders and contractors to be afforded the opportunity to carry out works at the site.

·         The work of councillors in both the Roscommon and Boyle MDs, including former Councillor Sean Beirne, was recognised in ensuring the development got to Part 8 stage after many years of debate.

·         The area where the works are to be carried out was described as a historical location, with recognition that the former Cargins Estate would not be affected by the planned development.

·         Works on the N61 were also required on the Boyle side of Tulsk where the road was sinking either side of a culvert and needed attention.

·         Any works at the aforementioned site should be carried out now while the route was being updated to avoid carrying out further remedial works.

·         It was suggested any current works should be extended to the culvert under the existing CPO (Compulsory Purchase Order). This was proposed by Cllr. J Cummins and seconded by Cllr. J Murphy.

·         It was also suggested that if works could not be carried out on the culvert, that they would be carried out as part of the North bound N61 works, north of Tulsk to Shankill junction under the next phase of the N61 development.

In reply to queries raised, the Director of Services said the project was an important step in the overall development of the N61. He said there had been very extensive consultations with landowners in respect of boundary treatments.  The concept of ‘like for like’ for any relocation or rebuilding of residential property was commonly accepted for a development of this nature but Notwithstanding the request to build stone walls, this is not TII policy and was never part of the project with the noted exception of Cargin Demesne as set out in the CE report. The development of the culverts north of Tulsk would be considered under the Shankill phase of the development.  The geometry improvements at the junction would be completed under Active Travel measures with footpaths and improved safety features developed at the junction.

Mr. Pat Phelan, Senior Executive Engineer (NRRO) said costs continue to escalate and but minor road projects like this project being considered by members were estimated to cost in the region of €20m. He said a signalised control would be located at the junction. Overall the new N61 works would open up Tulsk from a more East to West trajectory. Land acquisition was moving forward with the N5 bypass and said two of the houses being demolished were derelict with compensation to be paid to the owner of the remaining property.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Callaghan

SECONDED by Cllr. Cummins

It was AGREED to proceed with the proposed works in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief Executives pursuant to Section 179(3) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations (as amended) in respect of the N61 Tulsk to Clashaganny Road Project.